Premiership rugby will no longer be played on grass if a move by club owners and major shareholders succeeds.

According to the Sunday Telegraph, Premier Rugby – which represents England's top 12 clubs – is considering a switch to artificial pitches in order to produce "higher quality" matches.

The attempt will outrage traditionalists as another attempt to sanitise and prettify a game in which the midwinter mudbath is as symbolic as cauliflower ears and the post-match pint.

"We will be taking a hard look at pitches over the summer," confirmed Mark McCafferty, Premier Rugby's chief executive.

"We want to ensure consistent surfaces in the hope that they will lead to higher quality games. I don't see it in place for next season but it could happen later."

Fifa and the International Rugby Board are already reportedly developing an artificial surface suitable for both rugby and football. Several union training grounds already have artificial surfaces, including those at Newcastle and Murrayfield.

The move comes after repeated problems with a boggy pitch at Sale, with Wasps having refused to play on it for a Premiership match in November.

The proposals are part of a five-year strategy designed to increase club rugby's profile in the build up to the 2015 World Cup which will take place in England.